Linderhof

Gardening, Cooking and Decorating on the Prairie of Kansas

Welcome to Linderhof, our 1920's home on the prairie, where there's usually something in the oven, flowers in the garden for tabletops and herbs in the garden for cooking. Where, when company comes, the teapot is always on and there are cookies and cakes to share in the larder.

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

The Green Man

In the dining room, over the sideboard is the piece of artwork that we call "The Green Man". Husband Jim brought it to the marriage and for the past 42 years, it has always hung somewhere in the house we lived in. Usually, in the dining room.

When we moved to Linderhof 24 years ago, we chose to hang "The Green Man" in the dining room. He's been there ever since!

The view from the living room into the dining room.

On the wall over the sideboard. We "put back" the lights on either side of the picture, which is a story in itself.

He came without a frame and this is the third frame that we've had him in.

He is a woodblock on fabric and is an original. He was greener 42 years ago which is why we call him "The Green Man" but he has mellowed over the years. How did Husband Jim acquire such a remarkable piece of art?

He was stationed in Viet Nam in the late 60's. He got to go on an R and R to Taiwan. He went to an Art Gallery in Taiwan and bought this picture. He was 19! I am still amazed at his taste back when 19 year old soldiers in Viet Nam who sent home art work usually sent home Elvis on black velvet!!!

The Green Man was done by the art professor at the University of Taiwan. He paid $50 for it back in the late 60's. That was a lot of money for a soldier to spend on a piece of artwork.

I didn't marry him for The Green Man . . . but I'm glad that Husband Jim came with him!

I am as much in love with The Green Man today as I was in 1969. Good pieces are always classics!

I really can't imagine the dining room without The Green Man hanging over the sideboard. He's the reason that so much of our Asian art collection hangs in the dining room. He started it all!

And I am still amazed that a 19 year old GI would buy something of this quality for his home.

10 comments:

I love that he bought that when he was only 19 and that you have kept it all these years. You are right, a good piece always looks great. When my dad was in the Air Force in England, he bought his parents a whole set of Wedgwood dishes from the World's Fair in Belgium, 1958. They are now at my mom's in a hutch. In fact the hutch belongs to a Duncan Phyfe set with buffet, table and chairs a lot like yours! Pretty.

Martha,I adore the story of "Green Man" and that Husband Jim "came with him" to the marriage! Too cute! I had to laugh at the ~ Elvis on black velevet~ comment...I recieved a Sad Eyed Yellow Stripe Cat on Black Velvet! Ha! Thanks for shaing! Love your statues on either side of the sidebar with your gleaming silver set! Gorgeous vignette!!!Fondly,Pat

HI!!!!I think the story of green Man is what makes it so special......I think your GI hubby made a fabulous buy and a treasure for a life time!!!!I think he looks amazing in your dining room!!!!Your Home is a treasure and I adore everything you show!!!hugs,jamie